Footy legend Wally Lewis and his wife head a long list of sporting greats on the red carpet at prestigious awards ceremony

The who’s who of Australian sport took to the red carpet at the Crown Towers in Melbourne on Monday as several new members were inducted into the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame.

Among those in attendance was rugby league king Wally Lewis and his wife Lynda Adams, who were married in April of this year.

Multiple big names from the world of Aussie sport were being honoured during the evening, with AFL great Jason Dunstall and Melbourne Storm icon Cameron Smith, who recently put pen to paper to join up with the Brisbane Broncos in a coaching capacity, both being inducted to the Hall Of Fame.

Alongside them, Laura Geitz, one of Australia’s most successful netball players and snowboarder Torah Bright, who is the country’s most successful Winter Olympian with one gold and one silver medal across three Games, were also both inducted into the exclusive group of sporting greats.

Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and tennis great Lleyton Hewitt were also inducted, alongside Dr Peter Harcourt, one of Australia’s top sports science experts, who was inducted as a General Member.

During the evening, Aussie cricket icon Belinda Clark was elevated to a Hall Of Fame Legend, while basketball star Andrew Gaze was also acknowledged as a Legend too.

Stars made their way down the red carpet at the Crown Towers in Melbourne, with Olympic icon Dawn Fraser also in attendance after being named as the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame co-Patron alongside former Prime Minister John Howard.

The eight-time Olympic medallist, who won four gold medals and four silver medals during her career, was been elevated to Legend status in 1993, with Fraser having served as a mentor for the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame’s Scholarship and Mentoring Program..

‘I’m honoured to accept the role of Co-Patron and continue supporting SAHOF’s mission, especially through The Dawn Award, which celebrates the spirit of Australians who make a difference well beyond competition,’ Fraser said. 

‘I look forward to celebrating the 40th Anniversary Gala and the remarkable people who make our sporting nation what it is.’

AFL legend Chris Judd, who was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame back in 2022, and his mother Lisa Engel were spotted on the red carpet too, while Aussie cricket hero, Adam Gilchrist, and swimming superstar Ian Thorpe – who was recently the victim of an alleged robbery at his home – were also both spotted.

With three races left in the Formula One season, all eyes will be on Oscar Piastri as he looks to claw back his lead at the top of the World Championship from his team-mate Lando Norris.

But his family were out in force on Monday night, with his mum Nicole, along with his sisters, Mae Hattie and Edie all taking to the red carpet for the awards night.

Rugby league legend, Wally Lewis, who was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame back in 1987, donned a suave tuxedo, while his wife Lynda sported a stunning blue gown that was draped over her shoulder.

The King of rugby league made headlines earlier this year when his ex-wife Jacqueline Green and three children, Lincoln, Jamie Lee and Mitchell, were absent from his and Lynda’s wedding ceremony.

AFL legend Chris Judd, who was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall Of Fame back in 2022, and his mother Lisa Engel were spotted on the red carpet too 

It comes amid speculation that a rift has emerged between some members of his family, following the breakdown of his relationship with Jacqueline, with their split being confirmed in 2021.

Another footy great, Cameron Smith, was honoured during the ceremony, with the former Melbourne hooker, who played 430 matches for the club across a glittering 19-season career, being widely hailed as one of the greatest players of his generation.

‘It is an incredible honour,’ Smith said. ‘One that I will forever hold with great pride. 

‘It’s also a reminder of the people who supported me throughout my entire rugby league journey.

‘My parents, my sister and brother. My wife Barb and our three children. Without their love and support I would not have achieved what I did. For that I will always be grateful.’

There’s been much to celebrate for the Hewitt family of late, with former Wimbledon and US Open winner Lleyton, announcing that he’ll be coming out of retirement to join up with his son, Cruz, at the Challenger event in Sydney.

Cruz wasn’t present on Monday night at the awards, as he is currently playing in another Challenger event in Sydney, however, Lleyton, his wife and his daughter were all in attendance to celebrate his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

‘It’s pretty surreal to be honest,’ Lleyton said. ‘When you’re playing your professional career it’s not something you think about at all or focus on, but over the years growing up in Australia we’ve had such a rich history, not only in our sport of tennis, but also in so many other great sports as well, that I’ve had so many great role models and idols that I’ve looked up to, all there in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. So for me now to be inducted is an incredible honour.’

Torah Bright claimed gold at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver before going on to claim silver in Sochi in 2014. She became the first woman to compete across three events at the 2014 Games, which included the Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Snowboard-cross.

‘I hope my legacy shows that no dream is too big! I want the next generation of snowboarders and athletes in general to truly believe in themselves,’ she said. 

‘Belief, real, unwavering belief in yourself, your vision and what’s possible, isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s a skill. 

‘Like a muscle it has to be built, stretched and strengthened every day. People often point to talent or genetics as the key to success. 

‘But in my experience, belief is the foundation. It’s the silent force that carries you through every challenge.’